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Hong Joon-pyo questions Park Geun-hye's motives for campaigning

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Hong Joon-pyo speculated that former President Park Geun-hye's campaign activities might be aimed at securing a party leadership role after the local elections.
  • He suggested Park's efforts to gain public support through campaigning might not significantly sway voters already inclined to support her party.
  • Hong also questioned Park's current actions, given his previous proposal to the president for restoring honor to former presidents.

Hong Joon-pyo, a former governor of Daegu, has voiced skepticism about the motivations behind former President Park Geun-hye's recent campaign appearances. He suggested that Park's extensive campaigning across the country, not just in Daegu, could be an attempt to position herself for a potential leadership role, such as interim party leader, following the local elections and subsequent party convention.

Is she doing this to become the interim leader of the People Power Party after the local elections?

โ€” Hong Joon-pyoHong Joon-pyo speculating on Park Geun-hye's political ambitions.

"Is she doing this to become the interim leader of the People Power Party after the local elections?" Hong mused during a television appearance. He speculated that Park might be seeking to "restore her honor" through such a position. However, Hong also expressed doubt about the effectiveness of her campaigning, stating that voters who would normally support the People Power Party are likely to do so regardless of Park's involvement. He characterized her influence as limited, suggesting she was once the "queen of elections" but now her appearances primarily reinforce existing support bases.

Is she trying to restore her honor by becoming the interim leader? I've thought about that.

โ€” Hong Joon-pyoHong Joon-pyo further elaborating on his speculation about Park Geun-hye's motives.

Adding to his remarks, Hong questioned Park's current strategy, particularly in light of his own past efforts. He recalled proposing to President Lee Jae-myung to restore the honor of former presidents as a measure for national integration, a proposal he understood was under consideration. "But now that she's doing this, who would grant it?" he asked, expressing bewilderment at her actions.

Even if former President Park comes out and campaigns, those who would have voted for the People Power Party will vote for them anyway. I don't think there's much of a ripple effect.

โ€” Hong Joon-pyoHong Joon-pyo assessing the impact of Park Geun-hye's campaigning.

Hong also commented on the local Daegu mayoral race, revealing his support for Kim Bum-gyeom of the Democratic Party over the People Power Party candidate, Choo Kyung-ho. Hong cited Choo's ongoing legal battles, which would require frequent trips to Seoul, as a practical impediment to effective mayoral governance. He believes supporting Kim is essential for Daegu's future development.

I don't understand why she's doing this when she doesn't have to.

โ€” Hong Joon-pyoHong Joon-pyo expressing confusion over Park Geun-hye's actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.